Thermal energy storage specialist Sunamp has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Chinese company Trina Solar, the world-leading total solution provider for solar energy, to introduce a game-changing cleantech solution that is set to cut energy consumption and disrupt the global Heat Pump Sector.

The signing ceremony was attended by Sunamp Chief Executive Andrew Bissell and Jifan Gao, Chairman and Chief Executive of Trina Solar, at the official opening of the global giant’s new heat pump factory in Changzhou, China (on October 20 2018).

Partnering with Sunamp to integrate heat pumps with the Scottish company’s high-energy density, high-power density UniQ heat batteries will bring a distinct, innovative and cost effective solution to the market.

Sunamp technology is tried, tested and already keeping thousands of householders warm across the UK. Aiming at maximizing the penetration of renewables and minimizing fuel bills, heat batteries can capture heat in a variety of ways. They deliver cascades of hot water and highly responsive space heating with proven savings of up to 75% on utility bills and have a proven lifecycle of over 40,000 cycles, which is equivalent to over 50 years of normal use.

The collaboration agreement follows a visit from Trina Solar representatives to Sunamp’s manufacturing facility on the outskirts of Edinburgh earlier this year. Sunamp will supply heat batteries for Trina’s customer experience centres in Changzou and, in exchange, Trina will supply solar PV equipment for Sunamp’s customer experience centre on the outskirts of Edinburgh.

Commenting on the MoU, Jifan Gao said: “Trina and Sunamp both share the same idea of accepting the responsibility of combating global climate change, and this lays the foundation for mutual cooperation. Entering into the heat pump sector and collaborating with Sunamp is in line with our Trina 3.0 strategy. We are open to any promising innovative technologies, and our platform service enables the successful transition of technology developments to products and solutions, to facilitate global market supply and service, to achieve win-win mutual strategic cooperation, and to provide high class product and valuable service to our customers.”

Andrew Bissell said: “We are extremely honoured that such a prestigious global company as Trina Solar has chosen Sunamp as a partner as they embark on their expansion into the heat pump market. Our unique heat battery technology extends and enhances the range of capabilities of heat pumps and the combination of solar PV, heat pumps and heat batteries has exceptional potential to cut fuel costs, address climate change and improve air quality. Indeed, we look forward to a day when burning coal for domestic heating and hot water is a thing of the past.”

Dr Maurizio Zaglio, International Business Development Manager at Sunamp, said: “This agreement marks a milestone in the development of Sunamp. After the full validation of the technology in the UK market, and following the recent launch of our new UniQ products, this partnership with a world-wide leader in the renewable energy sector proves that the company is mature and eager to launch our heat batteries in key international markets. ”

The companies will run a trial of the proposed integrated solution in China over the winter months.